Even if you're nervous that Social Security's coffers will run dry quicker than forecast, or worried that your retirement will be cut short by an unforeseen illness, don't make this move without thinking it through.

Even if Social Security weren't falling apart -- which it manifestly is -- the average retiree benefits essentially amount to about what you'd earn working full time at a minimum wage job. That's hardly the retirement lifestyle you want. Here's a plan that will allow you to retire comfortably.

If Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling soon, come August, the White House warns that tens of millions of Social Security recipients may find their mailboxes empty when they go looking for their checks. Even though some describe it as a "fear tactic," protests by seniors and their advocates are getting much louder.

Public confidence in the social security systems is on the wane, according to a USA Today/ Gallup poll.
Six out of ten non-retirees think Social Security won%u2019t be able to pay them benefits when they stop working. Three-fourths of those aged 18 to 34 don%u2019t expect any kind of social security check when they retire. A majority of retirees also say they expect their current benefits to be cut.